Agendas, reports and minutes

Ross and Cromarty Area Committee

Date: Wednesday, 5 February 2014

Minutes: Read the Minutes

Minutes of Meeting of the Skye, Ross and Cromarty Area Committee held in the Chamber, Dingwall, on Wednesday 5 February 2014, at 10.30 a.m

Present:

Dr D Alston, Mrs J Barclay, Mrs I Campbell, Dr I Cockburn, Mr R Greene, Mr M Finlayson, Mr C Fraser, Mr H Fraser, Mr J Gordon, Mr G MacKenzie, Mr A Mackinnon, Mrs A MacLean, Mrs I McCallum, Mr D Millar, Mrs M Paterson, Mr M Rattray, Mr I Renwick, Mr A Rhind, Mrs F Robertson, Dr A Sinclair, Mrs M Smith, Mr J Stone and Mrs C Wilson.

Officials in Attendance:

Mr W Gilfillan, Corporate Manager

Ms D Ferguson, Senior Ward Manager, Ross, Skye and Lochaber

Ms H Ross, Senior Ward Manager, Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross

Mr C Thomas, Research Officer, Planning & Development Service

Mr C Kemp, Area Roads and Community Works Manager, Ross, Skye and Lochaber, Transport, Environmental & Community Services (TECS)

Mr C Stewart, Area Roads and Community Works Manager, Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, TECS

Mr M McIntyre, Area Education Manager, Mid, Education, Culture and Sport Service

Ms N Young, Area Education Manager, West, Education, Culture and Sport Service

Ms D Agnew, Ward Manager, Black Isle, Dingwall and Seaforth

Ms S Tarrant, Public Relations Officer, Chief Executive’s Service

Mrs R Moir, Principal Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office

Mrs T Bangor-Jones, Administrative Assistant, Chief Executive’s Office

Mr G Smith, Assistant Civic Officer, Finance Service

Mr D MacKenzie, Facilities Officer, Finance Service

An asterisk in the margin denotes a recommendation to the Council. All decisions with no marking in the margin are delegated to the Committee.

Mr H Fraser in the Chair

Preliminaries

The Chair congratulated Mrs Jennifer Barclay on her recent election victory, and welcomed her to her first meeting of the Skye, Ross and Cromarty Area Committee.

1. Apologies for Absence

Leisgeulan

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Mrs C Wilson.

2. Declarations of Interest

Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following declaration of interest:-

•Item 10 - Mrs F Robertson (non-financial)

3. Population Change in Skye, Ross and Cromarty 2001-2011

Atharrachadh Sluaigh san Eilean Sgitheanach, Ros agus Cromba 2001-

2011

There had been circulated Report No. SRC-01-14 (45kb pdf)|Appendix (359kb pdf) dated 21 January 2014 by the Director of Planning and Development which looked at the early results from the 2011 Census giving local information on the number and ages of people living within Highland. It compared these figures with those from 2001 to show that the Highland population had “aged”, with a large number of people close to retirement age. The population of the Skye, Ross & Cromarty area had grown by 8.6% (compared to the Highland average of 11.1%), with an increase in all six Wards and, at a local level, in 65 out of 85 data zones.

The report set out how the population in Skye, Ross and Cromarty had changed over the previous decade in each Ward and main settlement, and by data zone; census profiles for Wards, Associated School Groups, Community Council and Settlement Zones were now available on the Council’s website. The link between new housing development and population growth was highlighted. Areas that had seen population decline tended to be places where there had been little economic growth and/or were fully developed urban areas with little new housing, where a generally stable population base had aged and household sizes had fallen.

The Research Officer gave a presentation drawing attention to the main points of the report, including population turnover and patterns of population change in Urban and Rural areas respectively, and by Ward / major settlements. He highlighted the impact of planning policies such as those allowing housing surrounding small towns, and the possible influence of facilities such as a secondary school on where people chose to live. He also pointed out that, whilst it was difficult to pin down the reasons some communities did well, whilst other, apparently similar, communities struggled, the data presented relating to some of the remoter areas of Skye, Ross and Cromarty indicated that remoteness per se was not a barrier to growth.

The age profile within Ross, Skye and Cromarty closely matched that of the Highlands, with a peak in the 58 to 65 age group. Whilst this was likely to lead to an increase in elderly care needs in the future, it should correspondingly be recognised that this age group also provided a valuable resource to society, as retired people often undertook voluntary or community work.

The Research Officer also advised Members that he intended to report to a future meeting on an analysis of Census findings in relation to employment changes and job locations in Highland and their impact for forward planning.

In discussion, while welcoming the data now available as a tool for forward planning, Members commented that the data zones used to arrange and report the Census findings did not necessarily provide information readily translatable to specific locations within Wards or even to Wards as a whole. In acknowledging this, the Research Officer confirmed that, resources permitting, officers would, so far as possible, explore whether and how data zone information might be made more accessible and constructive for Members at Ward level and so help to identify, analyse and address specific local issues. He also confirmed that officers would seek to extract further useful information from additional Census data as it became available, with a focus on user needs.

During discussion, it was also suggested that, building on the information provided, the Committee, together with other relevant agencies, should seek to develop a forward plan for the economic well-being of the Skye, Ross and Cromarty area. It being confirmed that it was within the Committee’s remit to work with partners, in particular Community Planning partners, in relation to issues such as future prosperity, inward investment, regeneration and economic development, an undertaking was given that officers would look into ways in which the Committee could be proactive in fulfilling its remit in this regard.

After discussion, the Committee NOTED:

i. that the previous decade had seen population growth throughout the area

slightly lower than the Highland average at 8.6%;

ii. that the Census results confirmed that the population was ageing and that

there was about to be a significant increase in the number of retired

people; and

iii. the strong links between economic growth, new house building and

population growth.

4. Deprived Area Fund 2014-15

Maoin Sgirean Bochda 2014-15

The Committee NOTED that:

i. eight applications totalling £174,390 had been received for the Deprived

Area Fund for 2014-15 (the Budget for 2014-15 being £130,000);

ii. these applications would be assessed for eligibility and priority from this

Fund, with recommendations being brought to the April meeting; and

iii. Member comment that the Fund had not been sufficiently publicised would

be brought to the attention of the Employability team.

5. Grounds Maintenance Programme

Prògram Cumail Suas Raointean

There had been circulated Report No. SRC-02-14 (405kb pdf) dated 24 January 2014 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services detailing the arrangements for delivering Grounds Maintenance Services and the resources and budgets available.

The Area Roads and Community Works Manager, Ross, Skye and Lochaber, summarised the content of the report, which provided information on grass-cutting contracts; the range of works included under “grounds maintenance”; the acreage of open space that had to be maintained; the impact of the seasons; demand on working patterns and assets, including staff, equipment and plant; contract supervision and performance monitoring. There would be future engagement at Ward level on agreeing appropriate standards at specific sites, although any changes sought to the prioritisation of grounds maintenance works would have to be kept within the existing budget limits. Attention was also drawn to progress on moving to an electronic database, with a view to improving access to plans/maps and the associated relevant tasks.

In discussion, whilst there was praise for the high standard of service in Wester Ross, wide-ranging concerns were also raised in relation to a number of issues, including consistency in definition and delivery of standards across the area; timing of grass-cutting contract awards; maintenance of burial grounds, including paths and access; and the need for improved communications with Members on matters such as clarity on performance standards, in-Ward performance and information on complaints handling.

In response, the Corporate Manager, who was about to take up the post of Director of Community Services, assured Members that priority actions within the new Community Services structure would include a focus on improving performance management and reporting and Member communication. It was confirmed that discussions had been held with the Corporate Improvement Team with regard to improving the Council’s Lagan CRM system for logging complaints, which Members were encouraged to use, as it ensured that a complaint was logged and forwarded to the appropriate officer.

The Chairman requested that the concerns and issues raised in discussion be fully examined and that responses to individual Members on location-specific questions be circulated to the full Committee.

Clarification having been given that approval of the proposed grounds maintenance service, as set out in the report, would not prevent local changes being made, provided that these were cost neutral, the Committee APPROVED the grounds maintenance service for 2014/15, as set out in the report; and NOTED the on-going arrangements for managing the grounds maintenance service for the Skye, Ross and Cromarty Area and for future engagement with Ward Members in relation to identifying the appropriate standards at specific sites.

6. Proposed Adoptions and Deletions to the List of Roads – Isle of Raasay

Gabhail Ri agus Cur Às a Thathar a’ Moladh a thaobh Liosta nan Rathaidean – Eilean Ratharsair

There had been circulated Report No. SRC-03-14 (24kb pdf)|Appendix A (3555kb pdf)|Appendix B (21kb pdf) dated 24 January 2014 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services inviting Members to approve the deletion of the old layout of the Suisnish to Brochel Road and the Pier Road, Isle of Raasay, and the adoption of the new layouts as detailed.

During a summary of the report, it was explained that the proposals had been drawn up to accommodate the road changes required following the construction of a new ferry terminal at Churchton Bay.

It was clarified that the proposals had previously been submitted to the local Ward Business Meeting, and not to the local Ward Forum as stated in the report.

Thereafter, Members APPROVED the adoption and deletion of those sections of road from the List of Roads as detailed in Appendices A and B to the report.

7. Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets Programme

Prògram Rothaireachd, Coiseachd agus Sràidean nas Sàbhailte

There had been circulated Report No. SRC-04-14 (36kb pdf) dated 24 January 2014 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services inviting Members to approve the proposed installation of cycle storage at Avoch Primary School and also the installation of Stop/Look/Listen and footprint markings for pupil safety on walking routes to the school, to be funded through the Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets Programme, a programme funded directly by the Scottish Government. The total project estimate was £12,000, as outlined in Appendix 1 to the report.

This Programme aimed to encourage sustainable and active travel to school by improving safety and removing barriers to walking and cycling, and also to encourage more people to think about their travel decisions. The report also drew attention to projects in the Skye, Ross and Cromarty area already approved under the Small Grant Funding element of the Programme.

During discussion, Members welcomed the excellent work undertaken by the Road Safety Team. A request was made that an email be sent to all Members providing a breakdown of Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets Programme funding across Highland. It was also commented that, to access monies from this programme, schools were required to have a current School Travel Plan, and therefore schools should ensure that plans were kept up to date.

Thereafter, the Committee APPROVED the Safer Routes to School Project proposed for Avoch Primary School, as outlined in Appendix 1 to the report.

8. Facilities Management

Rianachd Ghoireasan

Members were informed that the Education, Culture & Sport (ECS) Service had commissioned the Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE) to formally evaluate the effectiveness of the Facilities Management (FM) function since its inception. This objective review of service would include extensive consultation with stakeholders, including Elected Members, and its outcomes would be reported to the May 2014 Care and Learning Service Committee meeting.

Local Members had raised concerns about the on-going effectiveness of the FM function in the Dingwall and Seaforth Ward. It was proposed that details of these concerns, supported by evidence, be forwarded to the Head of Resources, ECS. Thereafter, the appropriate management representatives from ECS would attend a Ward Business Meeting to respond to the concerns raised.

During discussion, while Members welcomed the commissioning of the formal evaluation by the APSE, a number reiterated their disquiet, which they had already expressed on numerous occasions, as to the effectiveness of the Facilities Management function in the Dingwall and Seaforth Ward. The offer to meet management representatives from ECS at Ward Business Meetings was welcomed.

After discussion, the Committee NOTED the position.

9. Associated School Group Overviews

Sealladh Coitcheann air Buidheann Sgoiltean Co-cheangailte

a) Gairloch High School Associated School Group Overview

There had been circulated Report No. SRC-05-14 ated 22 January 2014 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport providing an update of key information in relation to the schools within the Gairloch High School Associated School Group (ASG), and providing useful links to further information in relation to these schools.

The report contained detailed information on attainment and the findings of the most recent Education Scotland inspection and Standards and Quality Report. Details of wider achievement and notable successes were provided for all schools within the ASG. In addition, the report contained statistics on school leavers, school rolls, attendance/absence/exclusions, staffing and funding. With regard to school buildings, information was provided on suitability, condition and occupancy, as well as current/future investment. The Area Education Manager elaborated on a number of the matters contained in the report.

During discussion, attention was drawn to the link established between Gairloch High School and the Celtic Fringe Tourism Association, helping to signpost students towards opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector.

The Committee welcomed and NOTED the positive content of the report, and that a report on Ullapool Associated School Group would come forward to the next meeting of the Committee.

b) Alness Academy Associated School Group Overview

There had been circulated Report No. SRC-06-14 (206kb pdf) dated 22 January 2014 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport providing an update of key information in relation to the schools within the Alness Academy Associated School Group (ASG), and providing useful links to further information in relation to these schools.

In speaking to the report, the Area Education Manager confirmed that the incoming Head Teacher would be working closely with the ECS Link Quality Improvement Officer on drawing up an Improvement Programme. A more detailed Action Plan would be brought to the relevant Ward Business Meetings for their information.

During discussion, appreciation was expressed for the quality and dedication of the teachers involved, and for the range of extra-curricular activities available. Attention was drawn to the importance for the local community of maintaining a vibrant secondary school. A request was made for future reports to contain fuller data on National Priority Performance Measures.

In response to a question, the Area Education Manager confirmed that, in the context of placement requests, consideration was being given to establishing a number of “reserved places” to allow for pupils moving into a catchment area after the allocation date and otherwise risking being denied a place at their local school of choice.

After discussion, the Committee NOTED the content of the report.

10. Education Scotland Reports – Period 26 November 2013 to 14 January 2014

Aithisgean Foghlam Alba – Ùine 26 Samhain 2013 gu 14 Faoilleach 2014

Declaration of Interest – Mrs F Robertson declared a non-financial interest in this item as Vice Chair of the Tain Royal Academy Parent Council but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that her interest did not preclude her involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No. SRC-07-14 (49kb pdf) dated 22 January 2014 by the Director of Director of Education, Culture and Sport (ECS) providing details of Education Scotland’s inspections in the Skye, Ross and Cromarty area during the period 26 November 2013 to 14 January 2014, with specific reference to Tain Royal Academy and Milton Primary School.

The report advised that, each year, Education Scotland inspected and reported on the quality of education in a sample of pre-school centres and schools. To support improvement, inspectors focussed on the quality of children and young people’s learning and achievement. They took a particular interest in the development of children and young people’s skills and understanding in literacy, numeracy and health and wellbeing, which enabled access to the highest possible learning within a broad general education and beyond. Their Inspection reports were referred to Ward Business Meetings.

The reported outcomes for the schools inspected evidenced both good practice and areas for improvement which each school would use to adapt its school ‘Improvement Plan’ and report annually the impact on learners through the annual Standards and Quality Report.

In speaking to the report, the Area Education Manager confirmed that he was in liaison with the ECS Link Quality Improvement Officer on the development of Action Plans for each school, and that these would be brought to the relevant Ward Business Meetings for discussion. It was commented that local Members were working closely with officers and school staff to ensure that all necessary resources were in place.

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED the Education Scotland report.

11. Common Good Funds

Maoin Maith Choitchinn

There had been circulated Report No. SRC-08-04 dated 22 January 2014 by the Corporate Manager outlining the Income and Expenditure Account and Balance Sheet for financial year 2012/13 and the 2013/14 Third Quarter Monitoring Report for the following Common Good Funds:-

a. Cromarty Common Good Fund SRC-08-14

b. Dingwall Common Good Fund SRC-08-14

c. Fortrose and Rosemarkie Common Good Fund SRC-08-14

d. Invergordon Common Good Fund SRC-08-14

e. Tain Common Good Fund SRC-08-14

With regard to the Fortrose and Rosemarkie Common Good Fund, Members’ attention was drawn to an error at Appendix 1 to the report, where the correct total income figure should have read £9,042, and not £9,810, as reported.

During discussion, it was requested that a report be brought to a future meeting of the Committee detailing the assets of each Common Good Fund and reviewing their management, including an assessment of whether disposal of any particular assets might be an appropriate option.

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED in relation to each Fund:-

i. the Income and Expenditure Account and Balance for 2012/13; and

ii. the Third Quarter 2013/14 Monitoring Report.

12. Minutes

Geàrr-chunntas

There had been circulated and were NOTED Minutes of the Skye, Ross and Cromarty Area Committee held on 11 December 2013, which had previously been approved by the Council on 19 December 2013.

The Committee also NOTED that, although the Minutes, having been formally approved by the Council, could not now be amended, the linkage made at item 16 between the Bouchardon bust of Sir John Gordon and the Tain Common Good Fund had been factually inaccurate and should have referenced the Invergordon Common Good Fund.

The meeting ended at 12.50 p.m.